A pivotal moment for students is the question, “Will I go to college or not?” and many are asking themselves this question earlier and earlier – even in elementary school. How do we prepare our students for this next step? Shenita Bolton, a member of Questa’s Board of Directors and the Manager of K-12 College and Career Readiness with Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS), believes that students should be set up for success in high school for what lies beyond. Whether that’s college or another path, students should have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. The FWCS K-12 College and Career Readiness Office (CCR) works to instill in all students the belief that they can go to college and pursue their college goals. While attending college may not be the goal for all students, the CCR Office promotes a college-going culture and works to ensure students have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed after high school.
Hillary Troup, Questa’s Scholar & Marketing Specialist, had an opportunity to talk about the CCR’s programming and Shenita’s beliefs about lifelong learning.
What is the importance of students pursuing post-secondary education?
I am a strong believer that individuals should be lifelong learners. Learning never stops. To position themselves to be successful financially and make further contributions to their community – and family at large – it is important for students to expand their knowledge base.
Students change their interests numerous times throughout their K-12 education and may change their major several times. Post-secondary allows them to explore their particular interest and determine what is best for them. They will have opportunities to grow mentally and to expand their knowledge base and grow in the academic field. The CCR department does our best to help students explore those interests so they know the right path after graduation.
As the Manager of College and Career Readiness, how do you prepare students for the next step after high school?
My team and I work with K-12 students, making sure they have the knowledge and skills to succeed in post-secondary education. We offer a wide variety of activities for our students including workshops, classes, job shadowing, internships, college visits, and anything related to career readiness. FWCS also offers college and career prep programs, college visit programs, SAT/ACT prep, internship and job shadowing, parent workshops and more.
How does your experience guide you in this role?
Before I came to FWCS I worked in higher education for 20 years. In my previous position, I was the Director of Admissions at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, so I have a different lens for my current role. I know what is expected in higher education and what is expected from the student.
When was the College & Career Readiness (CCR) department established?
The CCR department started in 2016 with only two staff members but has grown in the past four years to a team of 11. Since we work with K-12 grades, some team members are assigned to specific schools, while others work with all schools in the district. Other programs are specific to middle school and high school. Our first class that we’ve worked with for the past four years graduated this year, and we are excited to see where the next chapter of their lives takes them.
What are a few opportunities you have for the students this month?
During the month of September, we are celebrating College GO! Week and National GEAR UP Week. Both celebrations will be held September 21 – 25 this year. Some activities we will do with our students this week include virtual college tours, creating a college plan, learn how to pay for college, preparing for your career, Learn More Indiana lessons, prizes and more.
How has COVID-19 affected your team in engaging your students?
The pandemic has hindered college and career visits, but we have adapted by moving toward virtual spaces for students to learn. We have a coding workshop coming up on October for middle school students that will be online and an elementary engineering camp online with Science Central. We are working through it.
Why do you believe in Questa and chose to be on its board of directors?
Being a part of the Questa Foundation feels like a no-brainer. I am working in K-12 college education and working to ensure that students are going right to college or to the workforce, but also to help guide them to scholarship opportunities and how to pay for college. For me Questa is aligned exactly with what my day to day work is. I want to give students as many opportunities and as much awareness as possible to graduate from college with little to no debt, and meet the needs of students who often may not be able to go to college because of the cost.
Shenita Bolton, Manager of K-12 College and Career Readiness with FWCS
The FWCS K-12 College and Career Readiness Office is located at the Family and Community Engagement Center at 230 E. Douglass Avenue in Fort Wayne, IN and is open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. To learn more, visit https://www.fwcs.k12.in.us/college-and-career-readiness or contact Shenita Bolton at 260-467-7257 or Shenita.bolton@fwcs.k12.in.us.